Hi folks. Many of you may be reading this because photos and video I took during the 5/27 flood of Ellicott City were shared by news outlets. The Ellicott City community has been hit hard by this flood, the second major flood in two years. People have lost their homes and livelihoods and it will take months (if not years) to potentially fix what we've once again been faced with. 

There are many local businesses that can use your help (and I hope you'll visit their linked gofundmes below) but I have started this campaign with the hope that you'll support my family's store, Park Ridge Trading Company. The store has been something of a new fixture in EC, it's a gourmet kitchen goods store that sells everything from loose tea to imported olive oil. My mother and sister (and their employees) put their heart and soul into this store, especially after the 2016 flood forced us to begin again.

As we consider whether it will be feasible to re-open, we will need to make extensive and costly building repairs, try to provide some income to our now out of work employees, and ensure the apartments above the store liveable for tenants (full disclosure: My dog and I live in Apt 3). 

Any donation you can make is appreciated, whether it's a $1 or $1,000. The outpouring of support and encouragement from not just Maryland residents but the entire country has been astonishing. Thank you. 

Please read and support campaigns started by our friends and neighbors:

Curious Minds Toys
https://www.gofundme.com/qc92u-rebuilding-curious-minds-toys

The Judge's Bench
https://www.gofundme.com/judges-bench-employee-flood-fund

The Wine Bin
https://www.gofundme.com/the-wine-bin-relief-fund

Discoveries
https://www.gofundme.com/ellicott-city-flood-sally-tennant

All-Time Toys 
https://www.gofundme.com/all-time-toys-2018-flood-fund

Clipper's Canine Cafe
https://www.gofundme.com/clipper039s-canine-cafe-recovery-fund

Summer of Love
https://www.gofundme.com/ellicott-city-flood-hippie-shop

Memorial fund for Eddison Hermond
https://www.gofundme.com/hj9tt-support-for-eddison-hermond